Gemstones of the Good Dhamma

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Gemstones of the Good Dhamma
(Saddhamma-maniratana)

An Anthology of Verses
from the Pali Scriptures

Compiled and translated by Ven. S. Dhammika

The Wheel Publication No. 342/344
ISBN 955-24-0001-5
Copyright © 1987 Buddhist Publication Society

For free distribution only.
You may print copies of this work for your personal use.
You may re-format and redistribute this work for use on computers and computer networks,
provided that you charge no fees for its distribution or use.
Otherwise, all rights reserved.



Buddhist Publication Society
P.O. Box 61
54, Sangharaja Mawatha
Kandy, Sri Lanka


This edition was transcribed from the print edition in 1995 by Joe Crea under the auspices of the DharmaNet Dharma Book Transcription Project, with the kind permission of the Buddhist Publication Society.


Contents

Contents

  • Preface <li>About the Author <LI>1. Ayacana (Request) <LI>2. Dhammavagga (Dhamma) <LI>3. Kilesavagga (The Defilements) <LI>4. Danavagga (Giving) <LI>5. Silavagga (Virtue) <LI>6. Vacavagga (Speech) <LI>7. Bhogavagga (Wealth) <LI>8. Mittatavagga (Friendship) <LI>9. Sutavagga (Learning) <LI>10. Savakavagga (The Disciple) <LI>11. Cittavagga (Mind) <LI>12. Sikkhavagga (The Training) <LI>13. Vayamavagga (Effort) <LI>14. Sativagga (Mindfulness) <LI>15. Attaparavagga (Oneself and Others) <LI>16. Mettavagga I (Love I) <LI>17. Mettavagga II (Love II) <LI>18. Sukhavagga (Happiness) <LI>19. Tunhivagga (Silence) <LI>20. Vipassanavagga (Insight) <LI>21. Buddhavagga (The Buddha) <LI>22. Kittisadda (Praise) <li>Abbreviations <li>References <li>Notes </ul>

    Preface

    The discourses of the Buddha and his direct disciples have been collected together into a huge body of literature known as the Sutta Pitaka. Made up of both prose and verse, much of this literature is little known to the average Buddhist because of its great size and also because in both style and content it is highly philosophical. One selection of this literature is, however, very well known. It is the Dhammapada, a collection of four hundred and twenty-three verses on various aspects of the Buddha's teachings. The Dhammapada's convenient size, pithy wisdom and, at times, great beauty has made it by far the most popular book in the Sutta Pitaka.

    However, many other verses of equal relevance and appeal are to be found scattered throughout the Sutta Pitaka which remains virtually unknown. I thought it useful, therefore, to collect some of these verses, arrange them according to subject, and present them in such a way that they may enrich the faith and deepen the understanding of those who read them. Most of the verses are the words of the Buddha himself; a lesser number is attributed to his enlightened disciples. But even these reflect the spirit of the Buddha's Dhamma, for it is said: "That which is well spoken is the word of the Buddha." (A. IV, 164).

    This small work is dedicated to my good friend, Miss Constance Sandham. May these "Gemstones of the Good Dhamma" illuminate the path so that all beings may attain Nibbana!


    About the Author

    Venerable S. Dhammika was born in Australia and developed an interest in Buddhism in his early teens. At the age of twenty-two he went to India and was ordained as a Buddhist monk under the Ven. M. Sangharatana Mahathera. He later moved to Sri Lanka where he taught meditation for several years in the Kandy district. He now lives and teaches in Singapore.


    1. Ayacana (Request)

    1. Namo te purisajañña
    namo te purisuttama
    sadevakasmim lokasmim
    natthi te patipuggalo.

    Homage to you so nobly bred.
    Homage to you amongst men supreme.
    Peerless are you in all the world.
    May all worship be given to you.


    2. Namo te buddha vir'atthu
    vippamutto'si sabbadhi
    sambadhapatippanno'smi
    tassa me saranam bhava.

    Homage to you, Enlightened Hero,
    you who are completely free.
    I have fallen into great distress,
    be my refuge and my shelter.


    3. Passam'aham devamanussaloke
    akiñcanam brahmanam iriyamanam
    tam tam namassami samantacakkhu
    pamunca mam Sakka kathamkathahi.

    In the world of gods and men, I see
    this brahman true, this simple man.
    You I worship, All-seeing One,
    so free me Sakka,[1] from my doubts.


    4. Anusasa brahme karunayamano
    vivekadhammam yam aham vijaññam
    yathaham akaso'va avyapajjamano
    idh'eva santo asito careyyam.

    O Brahma,[2] out of compassion teach me
    the lofty Dhamma so I may understand,
    and relying on nothing else,
    may live unclouded like the sky.


    5. Ye ca samkhatadhammase
    ye ca sekha puthu idha
    tesam me nipako iriyam
    puttho pabruhi marisa.

    Those who have understood the Dhamma
    and those who train themselves in it:
    O wise and truly gracious one,
    tell me how they live their lives.



    2. Dhammavagga (Dhamma)

    6. Kittayissami te dhammam
    ditthe dhamme anitiham
    yam viditva sato caram
    tare loke visattikam.

    I will teach you a Dhamma,
    not hearsay but to be directly seen.
    Whoever discovers it and knows it,
    and lives by it with mindfulness,
    will transcend craving for the world.


    7. Suvijano bhavam hoti
    suvijano parabhavo
    Dhammakamo bhavam hoti
    dhammadessi parabhavo.

    Prosperity in life is plain,
    decline in life is also plain:
    one who loves the Dhamma prospers,
    one who hates the Dhamma declines.


    8. Yo ca dhammam abhiññaya
    dhammam aññaya pandito
    rahado va nivato ca
    anejo vupasammati.

    Thoroughly understanding the Dhamma
    and freed from longing through insight,
    the wise one rid of all desire
    is calm as a pool unstirred by wind.


    9. Yesam dhamma asammuttha
    paravadesu na niyare
    te sambuddha sammadañña
    caranti visame samam.

    Those to whom the Dhamma is clear
    are not led into other doctrines;
    perfectly enlightened with perfect knowledge,
    they walk evenly over the uneven.


    10. Na udakena suci hoti
    bahv ettha nhayati jano
    yamhi saccañ ca dhammo ca
    so suci so ca brahmano.

    Not by water is one made pure
    though many people may here bathe,[3]
    but one in whom there is truth and Dhamma,
    he is pure, he is a brahman.


    11. Ujuko nama so maggo
    abhaya nama sa disa
    ratho akujano nama
    dhammacakkehi samyuto.

    The path is called "straight,"
    without fear" is the destination;
    the carriage is called "silent"
    and its wheels are right effort.


    12. Hiri tassa apalambo
    saty-assa parivaranam
    dhammaham sarathim brumi
    sammaditthipure javam.

    Conscience is the rails and
    mindfulness the upholstery,
    Dhamma is the driver and
    right view runs ahead of it.


    13. Yassa etadisam yanam
    itthiya purisassa va
    sa ve etena yanena
    nibbanassa'eva santike.

    And whether it be a woman,
    or whether it be a man,
    whoever travels by this carriage
    shall draw close to Nibbana.


    14. Ye keci osadha loke
    vijjanti vividha bahu
    dhammosadhasamam na'tthi
    etam pivatha bhikkhavo.

    Of all the medicines in the world,
    manifold and various,
    there is none like the medicine of Dhamma:
    therefore, O monks, drink of this.


    15. Dhammosadham pivitvana
    ajaramarana siyum
    bhavayitva ca passitva
    nibbuta upadhikkhaye.

    Having drunk this Dhamma medicine,
    you will be ageless and beyond death;
    having developed and seen the truth,
    you will be quenched, free from craving.



    3. Kilesavagga (The Defilements)

    16. Kamayogena samyutta
    bhavayogena cubhayam
    ditthiyogena samyutta
    avijjaya purakkhata
    satta gacchanti samsaram
    jatimaranagamino.

    Bound by desire, tied to becoming,
    fettered tightly by false opinions,
    yoked to ignorance, whirled around:
    thus beings wander through samsara,
    dying only to be born again.


    17. Na hiraññasuvannena
    parikkhiyanti asava
    amitta vadhaka kama
    sapatta sallabandhana.

    Neither gold nor minted coins
    can make the defilements disappear.
    Sense desires are enemies and killers,
    hostile darts, rigid bonds.


    18. Ummadana ullapana
    kama cittapamathino
    sattanam samkilesaya
    khippam marena odditam.

    Desire is agitating and deceiving,
    a source of mental pain,
    a net cast out by Mara[4]
    to entangle and defile beings.


    19. Pabbatassa suvannassa
    jatarupassa kevalo
    dvitta va nalam ekassa
    iti vidva samañ care.

    Were there a mountain all made of gold,
    doubled that would not be enough
    to satisfy a single man:
    know this and live accordingly.


    20. Kodhano dubbanno hoti
    atho dukkham pi seti so
    atho attham gahetvana
    anattham adhipajjati
    tato kayena vacaya
    vadham katvana kodhano.

    How ugly is the angry man!
    His sleep is without comfort;
    despite his wealth he is always poor.
    Filled with anger as he is, he wounds
    by acts of body and speech.


    21. Hanta labhati hataram
    jetaram labhati jayam
    akkosako ca akkosam
    rosetarañ ca rosako
    atha kamma vivattena
    so vilutto vilumpati.

    One who kills gets a killer,
    one who conquers gets a conquerer,
    one who reviles gets reviled.
    Thus as a result of his own actions
    the spoiler will in turn be spoiled.


    22. Natth'añño ekadhammo pi
    yeneva nivuta paja
    samsaranti ahorattam
    yatha mohena avuta.

    There is no other single thing
    by which the human race is hindered,
    by which it wanders day and night,
    so much as by this: delusion.


    23. Imesu kira sajjanti
    eke samanabrahmana
    viggayha nam vivadanti
    jana ekangadassino.

    How they cling and how they wrangle,
    yet claim to be recluses and brahmans.
    Quarreling and clinging to their opinions,
    they see only one side of things.


    24. Ye ca rattim diva yutta
    sammasambuddhasasane
    te nibbapenti ragaggim
    niccam asubhasaññino.

    Those who apply themselves, day and night
    to the teachings of the Buddha
    will quench the burning fire of lust
    by the perception of the impure.


    25. Dosaggim pana mettaya
    nibbapenti naruttama
    mohaggim pana paññaya
    yayam nibbedhagamini.

    By love they will quench the fire of hate,
    by wisdom the fire of delusion.
    Those supreme men extinguish delusion
    with wisdom that breaks through to truth.



    4. Danavagga (Giving)

    26. Na samane na brahmane
    na kapaniddhike na vanibbake
    labbhana samvibhajeti
    annam panañca bhojanam
    tam ve avutthikasamo'ti
    ahu nam purisadhamam.

    Not with recluses or brahmans,
    neither with the poor and needy
    does the base man share his food
    or give any drink or sustenance.
    People say that selfish man
    is like a drought, a rainless sky.


    27. Ekaccanam na dadati
    Ekaccanam pavecchati
    tam ve padesavassiti
    ahu medhavino jana.

    One who shares his wealth with some,
    but does not gladly give to others,
    is only like a local shower:
    in such a way the wise describe him.


    28. Subhikkhavaco puriso
    sabbabhutanuhampako
    amodamano pakireti
    detha detha ti bhasati.

    But one who rains down bountiful gifts,
    gladly giving here and there
    out of compassion for all beings,
    and who always says "Give, give, --"


    29. Yathapi megho thanayitva
    gajjayitva pavassati
    thalam ninnañca pureti
    abhisandanto varina
    evam eva idh'ekacco
    puggalo hoti tadiso.

    This type of person is like
    a giant cloud filled with rain,
    thundering and pouring down
    refreshing water everywhere,
    drenching the highlands and lowlands too,
    generous without distinctions.


    30. Dhammena samharitvana
    utthanadhigatam dhanam
    tappeti annapanena
    samma satte vanibakke.

    With his wealth collected justly,
    won through his own efforts,
    he shares both food and drink
    with beings who are in need.


    31. Yathapi kumbho sampunno
    yassa kassaci adhokato
    vamate udakam nissesam
    na tattha parirakkhati.

    Just as a pot filled with water
    if overturned by anyone,
    pours out all its water
    and does not hold any back.


    32. Tath'eva yacke disva
    hinamukkatthamajjhime
    dadahi danam nissesam
    kumbho viya adhokato.

    Even so, when you see those in need,
    whether low, middle or high,
    then give like the overturned pot,
    holding nothing back.


    33. Danañ ca peyyavajjañ ca
    atthacariya ca ya idha
    samanattata dhammesu
    tattha tattha yatharaham
    ete kho sangaha loke
    rathass'ani va yayato.

    Generosity, kind words,
    doing a good turn for others,
    and treating all people alike:
    these bonds of sympathy are to the world
    what the lynch-pin is to the chariot wheel.


    34. Annado balado hoti
    vatthado hoti vannado
    yanado sukhado hoti
    dipado hoti cakkhudo.

    Giving food one gives strength,
    giving clothes one gives beauty,
    giving lamps one gives sight,
    giving transport one gives delight.


    35. So ca sabbadado hoti
    yo dadati upassayam
    amatam dado ca so hoti
    yo dhammam anusasati.

    Giving shelter one gives all;
    but one who instructs in the Dhamma,
    the excellent teaching of the Buddha,
    such a person gives ambrosia.



    5. Silavagga (Virtue)

    36. Silam ev'idha sikkhetha
    asmim loke susikkhitam
    silam hi sabbasampattim
    upanameti sevitam.

    Here in the world one should train
    carefully to purify virtue;
    for virtue when well cultivated
    brings all success to hand.


    37. Yo panam natipateti
    musavadam na bhasati
    loke adinnam nadiyati
    paradaram na gacchati.

    Not harming living beings,
    not speaking lies, taking nothing
    in all the world unasked, nor
    going to the wives of other men.


    38. Suramerayapanam ca
    yo naro nanuyunjati
    pahaya pañca verani
    silava iti vuccati.

    And never drinking intoxicants:
    One who gives up these five harmful acts
    and does not engage in them
    is truly called a virtuous man.


    39. Adi silam patittha ca
    kalyananañ ca matukam
    pamukham sabbadhammanam
    tasma silam visodhaye.

    Virtue is the foundation,
    the forerunner and origin
    of all that is good and beautiful;
    therefore one should purify virtue.


    40. Silam balam appatimam
    silam avudham uttamam
    silam abharanam settham
    silam kavacam abbhutam.

    Virtue is a mighty power,
    Virtue is a mighty weapon,
    Virtue is the supreme adornment,
    Virtue is a wonderful armour.


    41. Na jacca vasalo hoti
    na jacca hoti brahmano
    kammana vasalo hoti
    kammana hoti brahmano.

    One is not low because of birth
    nor does birth make one holy.
    Deeds alone make one low,
    deeds alone make one holy.


    42. Ananganassa posassa
    niccam sucigavesino
    valaggamattam papassa
    abbhamattam va khayati.

    To one who is without evil,
    always striving for purity,
    a wrong the size of a hair tip
    seems as big as a rain cloud.


    43. Puññam eva so sikkheyya
    ayataggam sukhundrayam
    danañca samacariyañca
    mettacittañca bhavaye.

    Train yourself in doing good
    that lasts and brings happiness.
    Cultivate generosity, the life of peace,
    and a mind of boundless love.


    44. Silam ajarasa sadhu
    saddha sadhu adhitthita
    pañña naranam ratanam
    puññam corehyahariyam.

    The good luck of virtue never fades,
    faith also brings great good.
    Wisdom is man's most precious gem,
    merit no thief can ever steal.


    45. Sabbada silasampanno
    paññva susamahito
    ajjhattacinti satima
    ogham tarati duttaram.

    In every virtue all-accomplished,
    with wisdom full and mind composed,
    looking within and ever mindful -
    thus one crosses the raging flood.



    6. Vacavagga (Speech)

    46. Purisassa hi jatassa
    kuthari jayate mukhe
    yaya chindati attanam
    balo dubbhasitam bhanam.

    Every fool who is born
    has an axe within his mouth
    with which he cuts himself
    when he uses wrong speech.


    47. Tam eva vacam bhaseyya
    yay'attanam na tapaye
    pare ca na vihimseyya
    sa ve vaca subhasita.

    One should utter only words
    which do no harm to oneself
    and cause no harm for others:
    that is truly beautiful speech.


    48. Piyavacam eva bhaseyya
    ya vaca patinandita
    yam anadaya papani
    paresam bhasate piyam.

    Speak kind words, words
    rejoiced at and welcomed,
    words that bear ill-will to none;
    always speak kindly to others.


    49. Tass'eva tena papiyo
    yo kuddham patikujjhati
    kuddham appatikujjhanto
    sangamam jeti dujjayam.

    The worse of the two is he
    who, when abused, retaliates.
    One who does not retaliate
    wins a battle hard to win.


    50. Jayam ve maññati balo
    vacaya pharusam bhanam
    jayañc'ev'assa tam hoti
    ya titikkha vijanato.

    The fool thinks he has won a battle
    when he bullies with harsh speech,
    but knowing how to be forbearing
    alone makes one victorious.


    51. Yam samano bahu bhasati
    upetam atthasamhi tam
    janam so dhammam deseti
    janam so bahu bhasati.

    When the recluse speaks much
    it is only to speak about the goal.
    Knowingly he teaches the Dhamma,
    knowingly he speaks much.


    52. Yo ve na byadhati patva
    parisam uggahavadinam
    na ca hapeti vacanam
    na ca chadeti sasanam.

    If one addresses those who wish
    to learn, without wavering, imparting
    understanding, opening up and not
    obscuring the teaching.


    53. Asanditthañ ca bhanati
    pucchito na ca kuppati
    sa ve tadisako bhikkhu
    duteyyam gantum arahati.

    Speaking without hesitation nor
    getting angry when asked a question,
    a monk like this is worthy
    to proclaim the teachings.


    54. Nabhasamanam jananti
    missam balehi panditam
    bhasamanañ ca jananti
    desentam amatam padam
    bhasaye jotaye dhammam
    pagganhe isinam dhajam.

    If he does not speak up, others know
    him not; he is just a wise man mixed
    up with fools. But if he speaks about
    and teaches the Deathless, others will
    know him. So let him light up the Dhamma,
    let him lift the sage's banner high.


    55. Yam buddho bhasati vacam
    khemam nibbanapattiya
    dukkhass 'antakiriyaya
    sa ve vacanam uttama.

    The Buddha speaks words that lead
    to the winning of security, the ending
    of sorrow and the attaining of Nibbana.
    Truly, this is the speech supreme.



    7. Bhogavagga (Wealth)

    56. Jivatevapi sappañño
    api vittaparikkhaya
    paññaya ca alabhena
    vittavapi na jivati.

    The wise man continues to live
    even if he should lose his wealth.
    But the rich man without wisdom
    is not alive even now.


    57. Appakena pi medhavi
    pabhatena vicakkhano
    samutthapeti attanam
    anum aggiva santhamam.

    Starting off with little wealth,
    the wise man skillfully increases it,
    just as a sudden draft of wind
    can make a spark of fire grow.


    58. Susamvihitakammantam
    kalutthayam atanditam
    sabbe bhogabhivaddhanti
    gavo sausabha-m-iva.

    If he plans his project well,
    rises early and works untiringly,
    all his wealth will increase
    like cows penned in with a bull.


    59. Pandito silasampanno
    jalam aggiva bhasati
    bhoge samharamanassa
    bhamarass'eva iriyato.

    One who is virtuous and wise
    shines forth like a blazing fire;
    like a bee collecting nectar
    he acquires wealth by harming none.


    60. Catudha vibhaje bhoge
    sa ve mittani ganthati
    ekena bhoge bhunjeyya
    dvihi kammam payojaye
    catutthañ ca nidhapeyya
    apadasu bhavissati.

    He divides his wealth in four
    and thus he wins friendship.
    One portion he uses for his needs,
    two portions for his business,
    the fourth portion he saves
    for times of emergency.


    61. Susamvihitakammanta
    sangahitaparijjana
    bhattu manapam carati
    sambhatam anurakkhati.

    Deft and capable at her work,
    in harmony with other people,
    a wife is pleasing to her husband
    and carefully looks after his wealth.


    62. Saddhasilena sampanna
    vadaññu vitamacchara
    niccam maggam visodheti
    sotthanam samparayikam.

    Endowed with faith and virtue,
    speaking gently, free from selfishness:
    such a woman purifies the pathway
    leading to a future happiness.


    63. Saddhadhanam siladhanam
    hiri ottappiyam dhanam
    sutadhanañ ca cago ca
    pañña ve sattamam dhanam.

    The wealth of faith and virtue's wealth,
    the wealth of conscience and fear of blame,
    the wealth of learning and giving too,
    and as the seventh, wisdom's wealth.


    64. Yassa ete dhana atthi
    itthiya purisassa va
    adaliddo'ti tam ahu
    amogham tassa jivitam.

    Those who have these treasures true,
    be they women or be they men,
    are not poor or destitute,
    nor have their lives been lived in vain.


    65. Patirupakari dhurava
    utthata vindate dhanam
    saccena kittim pappoti
    dadam mittani ganthati.

    Whoever acts, strives and toils
    shall acquire wealth;
    by truthfulness one gains good repute,
    and by giving one binds friends.



    8. Mittatavagga (Friendship)

    66. Asant'assa piya honti
    sante na kurute piyam
    asantam dhammam roceti
    tam parabhavato mukham.

    To be in communion with the bad,
    and choose the ways of the bad,
    to have no friends among the good,
    this is a source of suffering.


    67. Sabbhir eva samasetha
    sabbhi kubbetha santhavam
    satam saddhammam aññaya
    pañña labbhati nannato.

    Consort only with the good,
    come together with the good.
    To learn the teaching of the good
    gives wisdom like nothing else can.


    68. Putimaccham kusaggena
    yo naro upanayhati
    kusa pi puti vayanti
    evam balupasevana.

    If one strings a piece of putrid fish
    on a blade of kusa grass,
    the grass will soon smell putrid too:
    the same with one who follows a fool.


    69. Tagarañca palasena
    yo naro upanayhati
    patta pi surabhi vayanti
    evam dhirupasevana.

    If one wraps frankincense,
    in any ordinary kind of leaf,
    the leaf will soon smell sweet too:
    the same with one who follows the wise.


    70. Tasma palasaputass'eva
    natva sampatam attano
    asante nupaseveyya
    sante seveyya pandito.

    Remembering the example of the leaf,
    and understanding the results,
    one should seek companionship
    with the wise, never with the bad.


    71. Sattho pathavato mittam
    mata mittam sake ghare
    sahayo atthajatassa
    hoti mittam punappunam
    sayam katani puññani
    tam mittam samparayikam.

    A companion is a traveler's friend,
    a mother is a friend at home,
    one who helps in time of need
    is a good and steady friend.
    And the good deeds done by oneself
    are one's true friends in time to come.


    72. Upakaro ca yo mitto
    yo ca mitto sukhe dukkhe
    atth'akkhayi ca yo mitto
    yo ca mittanukampako.

    A friend who always lends a hand,
    a friend in both sorrow and joy,
    a friend who offers good counsel,
    a friend who sympathises too.


    73. Ete pi mitte cattaro
    iti viññaya pandito
    sakkaccam payirupaseyya
    mata puttam va orasam.

    These are the four kinds of true friends:
    one who is wise, having understood,
    will always cherish and serve such friends
    just as a mother tends her only child.


    74. Kalyanamitto yo bhikkhu
    sappatisso sagaravo
    karam mittanam vacanam
    sampajano patissato
    papune anupubbena
    sabbasamyojanakkhayam.

    The monk who has a lovely friend,
    who pays respect and deference to him,
    and acts as his friend advises,
    with mindfulness and comprehension clear,
    will in time be freed from bonds;
    all his fetters will be destroyed.


    75. Abbhatitasahayassa
    atitagatasatthuno
    n'atthi etadisam mittam
    yatha kayagata sati.

    For one whose friend has passed away,
    for one whose teacher no more lives,
    there is no other friend in this world
    like mindfulness of the body.



    9. Sutavagga (Learning)

    76. Sussusa sutavaddhani
    sutam paññaya vaddhanam
    paññaya attham janati
    nato attho sukhavaho.

    Desire to learn increases learning;
    learning makes wisdom increase.
    By wisdom is the goal known;
    knowing the goal brings happiness.


    77. Bahussutam upaseyya
    sutañ ca na vinasaye
    tam mulam brahmacariyassa
    tasma dhammadharo siya.

    One should follow the learned man,
    and should not neglect learning,
    for that is the foundation of the holy life.
    Therefore be well versed in Dhamma.


    78. Bahussutam dhammadharam
    sappaññam buddhasavakam
    nekkham jambonadass'eva
    ko tam ninditum arahati
    devapi nam pasamsanti
    brahmunapi pasamsito.

    Learned, knowing the Dhamma,
    truly wise, the Buddha's disciple
    is like the finest gold of Jambu.
    Who can find any blame in him?
    Even the gods sing his praise;
    Brahma himself sings his praise.[5]


    79. Appassuto pi ce hoti
    silesu susamahito
    silato nam pasamsanti
    nassa sampajjate sutam.

    If one who has little learning
    is strong in virtue, others
    will praise his virtue only,
    because his learning is incomplete.


    80. Bahusuto pi ce hoti
    silesu samahito
    silato nam garahanti
    tassa sampajjate sutam.

    If one who has much learning
    is weak in virtue, others
    will blame him for his conduct
    though his learning is complete.


    81. Bahussuto pe ce hoti
    silesu susamahito
    ubhayena nam pasamsanti
    silato ca sutena ca.

    But if one has much learning
    and is also strong in virtue,
    he will be praised for both
    his virtue and his learning.


    82. Bahussuto appasutam
    yo sutenatimaññati
    andho padipadharo'va
    tath'eva patibhati mam.

    A learned man who, because of his learning,
    despises one with little learning,
    seems to me like a stone-blind man
    walking around with a lamp in hand.


    83. Tasma hi attahamena
    mahantam abhikankhata
    saddhammo garukatabbo
    saram buddhana sasanam.

    One who loves his own true welfare,
    who is concerned with his own good,
    should pay homage to the Dhamma
    and always remember the Buddha's words.


    84. Samma manam panidhaya
    samma vacam abhasiya
    samma kammani katvana
    kayena idha puggalo.

    Having a rightly directed mind,
    speaking rightly spoken speech,
    doing here with the body
    only deeds that are right and good.


    85. Bahussuto puññakaro
    apasmim idha jivite
    kayassa bheda sappañño
    saggam so upapajjati.

    Learned, doing much that is worthy
    even in a life that is short --
    a wise person such as this
    will be reborn in a happy place.



    10. Savakavagga (The Disciple)

    86. Matari pitari capi
    yo samma patipajjati
    tatagate va sambuddhe
    athava tassa savake
    bahun ca so pasavati
    puññam etadiso naro.

    If one behaves rightly
    toward his mother and his father,
    towards the Buddha well-attained,
    and the disciples of the Buddha,
    such a person generates
    an abundant store of good.


    87. Bhikkhu ca silasampanno
    bhikkuni ca bahussuta
    upasako ca yo saddho
    ya ca saddha upasika
    ete kho sangham sobhenti
    ete hi sanghasobhana.

    The monk well-possessed of virtue,
    the nun who is widely learned,
    male and female lay disciples
    who are fully endowed with faith --
    it is they who illuminate the Sangha,
    "lights of the Sangha" they are called.


    88. Yassa sabrahmacarisu
    garavo n'upalabbhati
    araka hoti saddhamma
    nabham puthaviya yatha.

    One who has no respect for those
    who live the holy life with him,
    is as far from this good Dhamma
    as the sky is from the earth.


    89. Yassa sabrahmacarisu
    garavo upalabbhati
    so viruhati saddhamme
    khette bijam'va bhaddakam.

    One who has respect for those
    who live the holy life with him,
    comes to growth in this good Dhamma
    like a healthy seed in the field.


    90. Itthibhavo kim kayira
    cittamhi susamahite
    nanamhi vattamanamhi
    sammadhammam vipassato.

    A woman's nature is unimportant
    when the mind is still and firm,
    when knowledge grows day by day,
    and she has insight into Dhamma.


    91. Yassa nuna siya evam
    itthaham puriso'ti va
    kiñci va pana asmiti
    tam maro vattum arahati.

    One who thinks such thoughts
    as "I am a woman" or "I am a man"
    or any other thought "I am --"
    Mara is able to address that one.


    92. Dummedhehi pasamsa ca
    viññuhi garaha ca ya
    garaha'va seyyo viññuhi
    yan ce balappasamsana.

    The fools offer praise and the wise
    offer blame. Truly the blame
    of the wise is much better
    than the praise of the fool.


    93. Sagara anagara ca
    ubho aññoññanissita
    aradhayanti saddhammam
    yogakkhemam anuttaram.

    Home dwellers and the homeless both,
    by depending upon each other
    come to realize the good Dhamma,
    the utter freedom from bondage.


    94. Anubandho pi ce assa
    mahiccho va vighatava
    ejanugo anejassa
    nibbutassa anibbuto
    giddho so vitagedhassa
    passa yavañca araka.

    Though physically close behind,
    if one is acquisitive and restless,
    how far is that turbulent one
    from one freed from turbulence,
    that burning one from one cooled,
    that hankering one from the greedless!


    95. Sukha sanghassa samaggi
    samagganan c'anuggaho
    samaggarato dhammattho
    yogakkhema na dhamsati.

    A happy thing is concord in the Sangha!
    One who assists in making harmony,
    loving concord and righteousness,
    does not fall away from freedom.



    11. Cittavagga (Mind)

    96. Cittena niyati loko
    cittena parikissati
    cittassa ekadhammassa
    sabb'eva vasam anvagu.

    The world is led around by mind,
    by mind the world is plagued.
    Mind is itself the single thing
    which brings all else beneath its sway.


    97. Manopubbangama dhamma
    manosettha manomaya
    Manasa ce pasannena
    bhasati va karoti va
    tato nam sukhamanveti
    chaya va anapayini.

    Mind precedes all things;
    mind is their chief, mind is their maker.
    If one speaks or does a deed
    with a mind that is pure within,
    happiness then follows along
    like a never departing shadow.


    98. Sududdasam sunipunam
    yatthakamanipatinam
    cittam rakkhetha medhavi
    cittam guttam sukhavaham.

    Difficult to detect and very subtle,
    the mind seizes whatever it wants;
    so let a wise man guard his mind,
    for a guarded mind brings happiness.


    99. Dunniggahassa lahuno
    yatthakamanipatino
    cittassa damatho sadhu
    cittam dantam sukhavaham.

    Wonderful it is to train the mind
    so swiftly moving, seizing whatever it wants.
    Good is it to have a well-trained mind,
    for a well-trained mind brings happiness.


    100. Phandanam capalam cittam
    durakkham dunnivarayam
    ujum karoti medhavi
    usukaro'va tejanam.

    As a fletcher straightens an arrow,
    even so one who is wise
    will straighten out the fickle mind,
    so unsteady and hard to control.


    101. Na tam mata pita kayira
    aññe vapi ca nataka
    sammapanihitam cittam
    seyyaso nam tato kare

    No mother nor father nor
    any other kin can do
    greater good for oneself
    than a mind directed well.


    102. Anabhijjhalu vihareyya
    avyapannena cetasa
    sato ekaggacittassa
    ajjhattam susamahito.

    Love without covetous greed,
    fill your mind with benevolence.
    Be mindful and one-pointed,
    inwardly stable and concentrated.


    103. Pañca kamaguna loke
    manochattha pavedita
    ettha chandam virejetva
    evam dukkha pamuccati.

    There are five strands of sensual pleasure
    with the mind as the sixth;
    by overcoming desire for these
    one will be freed from suffering.


    104. Mama selupamam cittam
    thitam nanupakampati
    virattam rajaniyesu
    kuppaniye na kuppati
    mam'evam bhavitam cittam
    kuto mam dukkham essati.

    My mind is firm like a rock,
    unattached to sensual things,
    no shaking in the midst
    of a world where all is shaking.
    My mind has thus been well-developed,
    so how can suffering come to me?


    105. Yo caram va yo tittham va
    nisinno udava sayam
    vitakkam samayitvana
    vitakkopasame rato
    bhabbo so tadiso bhikkhu
    phutthum sambodhim uttamam.

    Whether he walks or stands
    or sits or lies, a monk
    should take delight in
    controlling all thoughts.
    Such a monk is qualified
    to reach supreme enlightenment.



    12. Sikkhavagga (The Training)

    106. Atisitam atiunham
    atisayam idam ahu
    iti vissatthakammante
    attha accenti manave.

    "It's too cold, it's too hot,
    it's too late," with such excuses
    one who gives up the practice
    lets his opportunities slip.


    107. Yo ca sitañ ca unhañ ca
    tina bhiyyo na maññati
    karam purisakiccani
    so sukha na vihayati.

    But one who looks on cold and heat
    as no more obstructive than straw
    and continues with the practice
    does not fall short of happiness.


    108. Alinacitto ca siya
    na capi bahu cintaye
    niramagandho asito
    brahmacariyaparayano.

    So rid the mind of sloth and dullness,
    give up thinking of many things.
    Be healthy and unattached to pleasure,
    be devoted to the holy life.


    109. Unudaro mitaharo
    appich'assa alolupo
    sa ve icchaya nicchato
    aniccho hoti nibbuto.

    Lean in body, frugal in food,
    content with little and undisturbed,
    vain wishes gone and craving stilled,
    thus the wantless attain Nibbana.


    110. Sa jhanapasuto dhiro
    vanante ramito siya
    jhayetha rukkhamulasmim
    attanam abhitosayam.

    One who is stable in meditation
    will delight at the woodland's edge,
    meditating at the foot of a tree
    until joy and contentment are won.


    111. Kamacchando ca vyapado
    thinamiddhañ ca bhikkhuno
    uddhaccam vicikiccha ca
    sabbaso va na vijjati.

    Sense desire, ill will,
    sloth, laziness, agitation,
    and doubt are not found
    in a true and worthy monk.


    112. Na sabbato mano nivaraye
    na mano sayatattam agatam
    yato yato ca papakam
    tato tato mano nivaraye.

    Do not hold back the mind from all,
    for it is not yet put to sleep.
    But whenever evil things arise,
    then should the mind be held in check.


    113. Viriyasataccasampanno
    yuttayogo sada siya
    na ca appatva dukkhantam
    vissasam eyya pandito.

    Possessed of energy and perserverance,
    be always earnest in applying yourself.
    The wise one should not be confident
    until the end of suffering is reached.


    114. Samadhiratanamalassa
    kuvitakka na jayare
    na ca vikkipate cittam
    etam tumhe pilandhatha.

    With the jewelled necklace of concentration,
    wrong thoughts cannot arise
    nor can the mind be distracted.
    So let this be your adornment.


    115. Anapanasati yassa
    paripunna subhavita
    anupubbam paricita
    yatha buddhena desita
    so'mam lokam pabhaseti
    abbha muto va candima.

    One who has gradually practiced,
    developed and brought to perfection
    mindfulness of the in-and-out breath
    as taught by the Enlightened One,
    illuminates the entire world
    like the moon when freed from clouds.



    13. Vayamavagga (Effort)

    116. Pamado rajo pamada
    pamadanupatito rajo
    appamadena vijjaya
    abbulhe sallam attano.

    Indolence is dust;
    dust comes in the wake of indolence.
    With knowledge and vigilance
    draw out the arrow from yourself.


    117. Niddasili sabhasili
    anutthata ca yo naro
    alaso kodhapannano
    tam parabhavato mukham.

    When one loves company and sleep,
    when one is lax and slack,
    when one is often given to anger --
    this is a source of suffering.


    118. Samvaro ca pahanam ca
    bhavana anurakkhana
    ete padhana cattaro
    desitadiccabandhuno.

    The effort to restrain, to abandon,
    to develop and to maintain:
    these are the four exertions
    taught by the Kinsman of the Sun.


    119. Utthahatha nisidatha
    no attho supitena vo?
    aturanam hi ka nidda
    sallaviddhana ruppatam?

    Arise! Sit up! Of what use
    are your dreams? How can you
    continue to sleep when you are sick,
    pierced with the arrow of grief?


    120. Amogham divasam kayira
    appena bahukena va
    yam yam vijahate rattim
    tadunan tassa jivitam.

    Make your day productive
    whether by little or by much.
    Every day and night that passes,
    your life is that much less.


    121. Yo dandhakale dandheti
    taraniye ca taraye
    yoniso samvidhanena
    sukham pappoti pandito.

    The wise one who hurries when
    hurrying is needed and who slows down
    when slowness is needed, is happy
    because his priorities are right.


    122. Araddhaviriye pahitatte
    niccam dalhaparakkame
    samagge savake passa
    esa budhana vandana.

    See the disciples in perfect harmony,
    resolute and making effort,
    always firm in their progress --
    this is the best worship of the Buddha.


    123. Niddam tandim vijambhikam
    aratim bhattasammadam
    viriyena nam panametva
    ariyamaggo visujjhati.

    Sloth, torpor and drowsiness,
    boredom and heaviness after meals --
    by expelling these with energy
    the noble path is purified.


    124. Saddhaya tarati ogham
    appamadena annavam
    viriyena dukkham acceti
    paññaya parisujjhati.

    The flood is crossed by faith,
    by vigilance the sea is crossed,
    pain is overcome with vigor
    by wisdom one is purified.


    125. Ujumaggamhi akkhate
    gacchatha ma nivattatha
    attana coday'attanam
    nibbanam abhiharaye.

    The straight path has been clearly shown:
    walk forward and don't turn back.
    Urge yourself onwards by yourself;
    in that way attain Nibbana.



    14. Sativagga (Mindfulness)

    126. Sambadhe vapi vindanti
    dhammam nibbanapattiya
    ye satim saccalatthamsu
    samma te susamahita.

    Even when obstacles crowd in,
    the path to Nibbana can be won
    by those who establish mindfulness
    and bring to perfection equipoise.


    127. Sace dhavati te cittam
    kamesu ca bhavesu ca
    khippam nigganha satiya
    kitthadam viya duppasum.

    If your mind runs wild among
    sensual pleasures and things that arise,
    quickly restrain it with mindfulness
    as one pulls the cow from the corn.


    128. Ubhinnam attham carati
    attano ca parassa ca
    param sankupitam natva
    yo sato upasammati.

    Knowing that the other person is angry,
    one who remains mindful and calm
    acts for his own best interest
    and for the other's interest, too.


    129. Ubhinnam tikicchantanam
    attano ca parassa ca
    jana maññanti balo'ti
    ye dhammassa akovida.

    He is a healer of both
    himself and the other person;
    only those think him a fool
    who do not understand the Dhamma.


    130. Yatam care yatam titthe
    yatam acche yatam saye
    yatam samminjaye bhikkhu
    yathamenam pasaraye.

    Whether he walks, stands, sits
    or lies, stretches out his limbs
    or draws them in again, let a
    monk do so with composure.


    131. Uddham tiriyam apacinam
    yavata jagato gati
    samavekkhita va dhammanam
    khandhanam udayabbayam.

    Above, across or back again,
    wherever he goes in the world
    let him carefully scrutinise
    the rise and fall of compounded things.


    132. Evam viharim atapim
    santavuttim anuddhatam
    cetosamathasamicim
    sikkhamanam sada satam
    satatam pahitatto'ti
    ahu bhikkhum tathavidham.

    Living thus ardently,
    at peace within, not restless
    or mentally agitated,
    training himself, always mindful:
    people call such a monk
    "one constantly resolute."


    133. Na so rajjati dhammesu
    dhammam natva patissato
    virattacitto vedeti tan
    ca n'ajjhosaya titthati.

    Not excited by mental phenomena,
    one knows them through mindfulness;
    thus with a mind well detached
    one understands and does not cling.


    134. Satipatthanakusala
    bojjhangabhavanarata
    vipassaka dhammadhara
    dhammanagare vasantite.

    Those skilled in the foundations of mindfulness,
    delighting in the enlightenment factors,
    with knowledge of Dhamma and keen insight,
    live in the city of Dhamma.


    135. Sammappadhanasampanno
    satipatthanagocaro
    vimuttikusumasañchanno
    parinibbaty anasavo.

    Possessed of persevering energy,
    practicing the foundations of mindfulness,
    bedecked with the blossoms of freedom,
    you will be cooled and undefiled.



    15. Attaparavagga (Oneself and Others)

    136. Sabbe tasanti dandassa
    sabbesam jivitam piyam
    attanam upamam katva
    na haneyya na ghataye.

    All tremble at punishment.
    Life is dear to all.
    Put yourself in the place of others;
    kill none nor have another killed.


    137. Attana'va katam papam
    attana sankilissati
    attana akatam papam
    attana'va visujjhati
    suddhi asuddhi paccattam
    nañño aññam visodhaye.

    By doing evil, one defiles oneself;
    by avoiding evil, one purifies oneself.
    Purity and impurity depend on oneself:
    no one can purify another.


    138. Attadattham paratthena
    bahuna 'pi na hapaye
    attadattham abhiññaya
    sadatthapasuto siya.

    Let no one neglect his own welfare
    for the welfare of others however much.
    Clearly understanding one's own welfare
    strive always for one's own true good.


    139. Attanameva pathamam
    patirupe nivesaye
    ath'aññam anusaseyya
    na kilisseyya pandito.

    One should first establish onself
    in what is proper and only then
    try to instruct others. Doing this,
    the wise one will not be criticized.


    140. Attana ce tatha kayira
    yath'aññam anusasati
    sudanto vata dammetha
    atta hi kira duddamo.

    If only you would do what you teach others
    then being yourself controlled
    you could control others well.
    Truly self-control is difficult.


    141. Yo c'attanam samukkamse
    parañ ca-m-avajanati
    nihino sena manena
    tam jañña vasalo'iti.

    One who exalts himself
    and disparages others
    because of smugness and conceit;
    know him as an outcaste man.


    142. Na paresam vilomani
    na paresam katakatam
    attano va avekkheyya
    katani akatani ca.

    Look not to the faults of others,
    nor to their omissions and commissions.
    But rather look to your own acts,
    to what you have done and left undone.


    143. Paravajjanupassissa
    niccam ujjhanasaññino
    asava tassa vaddhanti
    ara so asavakkhaya.

    When one looks down at others' faults
    and is always full of envy,
    one's defilements continually grow;
    far is one from their destruction.


    144. Sudassam vajjam aññesam
    attano pana duddasam
    paresam hi so vajjani
    opunati yathabhusam
    attano pana chadeti
    kalim'va kitava satho.

    Easily seen are the faults of others,
    one's own are difficult to see.
    By winnowing the chaff of others' faults,
    one's own are obscured, like a crafty
    fowler hidden behind the branches.


    145. Attana coday' attanam
    patimase attam attana
    so attagutto satima
    sukham bhikkhu vihahisi.

    You yourself must watch yourself,
    you yourself must examine yourself,
    and so self-guarded and mindful,
    O monk, you will live in happiness.



    16. Mettavagga I (Love I)

    146. Anatthajanano doso
    doso cittappakopano
    bhayam antarato jatam
    tam jano navabujjhati.

    Hate brings great misfortune,
    hate churns up and harms the mind;
    this fearful danger deep within
    most people do not understand.


    147. Duttho attham na janati.
    duttho dhammam na passati
    andham tamam tada hoti
    yam doso sahate naram.

    Thus spoilt one cannot know the good,
    cannot see things as they are.
    Only blindness and gloom prevail
    when one is overwhelmed by hate.


    148. Yo na hanti na ghateti
    na jinati na japaye
    mettam so sabbabhutesu
    veram tassa na kenaci.

    He who does not strike nor makes
    others strike, who robs not nor makes
    others rob, sharing love with all that live,
    finds enmity with none.


    149. Satimato sada bhaddam
    satima sukham edhati
    satimato su ve seyyo
    vera na parimuccati.

    For the mindful one there is always good;
    for the mindful one happiness increases;
    for the mindful one things go better
    yet he is not freed from enemies.


    150. Yassa sabbam ahorattam
    ahimsaya rato mano
    mettam so sabbabhutesu
    veram tassa na kenaci.

    But he who both day and night
    takes delight in harmlessness
    sharing love with all that live,
    finds enmity with none.


    151. Yo ve mettena cittena
    sabbalok'anukampati
    uddham adho ca tiriyañ ca
    appamanena sabbaso.

    When one with a mind of love
    feels compassion for all the world --
    above, below and across,
    unlimited everywhere.


    152. Appamanam hitam cittam
    paripunnam subhavitam
    yam pamanakatam kammam
    na tam tatravasissati.

    Filled with infinite kindness,
    complete and well-developed --
    any limited actions one may have done
    do not remain lingering in one's mind.


    153. Mettacitta karunika
    hotha silesu samvuta
    araddhaviriya pahitatta
    niccam dalhaparakkama.

    Develop a mind full of love;
    be compassionate and restrained in virtue;
    arouse your energy, be resolute,
    always firm in making progress.


    154. Yathapi ekaputtasmim
    piyasmim kusali siya
    evam sabbesu panesu
    sabbattha kusalo siya.

    Just as a loving mother would guard
    her only dearly beloved child,
    so towards creatures everywhere
    one should always wish for their good.


    155. Cittam ca susamahitam
    vippasannam anavilam
    akhilam sabbabhutesu
    so maggo brahmapattiya.

    A mind composed, well-concentrated,
    purified and undefiled,
    full of kindness towards all beings --
    this is the way that leads to Brahma.



    17. Mettavagga II (Love II)

    156. Yathapi udakam nama
    kalyane papake jane
    samam pharati sitena
    pavaheti rajomalam.

    Just as water cools
    both good and bad
    and washes away all
    impurity and dust.


    157. Tath'eva tvam pi ahitahite
    samam mettaya bhavaya
    mettaparamitam gantva
    sambodhim papunissasi.

    In the same way you should develop thoughts
    of love to friend and foe alike,
    and having reached perfection in love,
    you will attain enlightenment.


    158. "Yatha aham tatha ete
    yatha ete tatha aham"
    attanam upamam katva
    na haneyya na ghataye.

    "As I am, so are others;
    as others are, so am I."
    Having thus identified self and others,
    harm no one nor have them harmed.


    159. Apadakehi me mettam
    mettam dipadakehi me
    catuppadehi me mettam
    mettam bahuppadehi me.

    I have love for the footless,
    for the bipeds too I have love;
    I have love for those with four feet,
    for the many-footed I have love.


    160. Ma mam apadako himsi
    ma mam himsi dipadako
    ma mam catuppado himsi
    ma mam himsi bahuppado.

    May the footless harm me not,
    may the bipeds harm me not,
    may those with four feet harm me not,
    may those with many feet harm me not.


    161. Sabbe satta sabbe pana
    sabbe bhuta ca kevala
    sabbe bhadrani passantu
    ma kañci papamagama.

    May all creatures, all living things,
    all beings one and all,
    experience good fortune only.
    May they not fall into harm.


    162. Sabbamitto sabbasakho
    sabbabhutanukampako
    mettam cittañ ca bhavemi
    abyapajjharato sada.

    I am a friend and helper to all,
    I am sympathetic to all living beings.
    I develop a mind full of love
    and always delight in harmlessness.


    163. Asamhiram asamkuppam
    cittam amodayam'aham
    brahmaviharam bhavemi
    akapurisasevitam.

    I gladden my mind, fill it with joy,
    make it immovable and unshakable.
    I develop the divine states of mind
    not cultivated by evil men.


    164. Tasma sakam paresam pi
    katabba mettabhavana
    mettacittena pharitabbam
    etam buddhana sasanam.

    Therefore the meditation on love
    should be done for oneself and others.
    All should be suffused with love:
    this is the teaching of the Buddha.


    165. Yo ca mettam bhavayati
    appamanam patissato
    tanu samyojana honti
    passato upadhikkhayam.

    Whoever makes love grow
    boundless, and sets his mind
    for seeing the end of birth:
    his fetters are worn thin.



    18. Sukhavagga (Happiness)

    166. Yo pubbe karaniyani
    paccha so katum icchati
    sukha so dhamsate thana
    paccha ca m-anutappati.

    One who later wishes to do
    the things he should have done before
    falls away from happiness
    and long afterwards repents.


    167. Kodham chetva sukham seti
    kodham chetva na socati
    kodhassa visamulassa
    madhuraggassa brahmana
    vadham ariya pasamsanti
    tam hi chetva na socati.

    Slay anger and you will be happy,
    slay anger and you will not sorrow.
    For the slaying of anger in all its forms
    with its poisoned root and sweet sting --
    that is the slaying the nobles praise;
    with anger slain one weeps no more.


    168. Yam pare sukhato ahu
    tad ariya ahu dukkhato
    yam pare dukkhato ahu
    tad ariya sukhato vidu
    passa dhammam durajanam
    sammulh'ettha aviddasu.

    What others call happiness,
    the noble call pain;
    what others call pain,
    the noble call happiness.
    Behold this Dhamma hard to comprehend
    by which the dull are utterly baffled.


    169. Sabbada va sukham seti
    brahmano parinibbuto
    yo na limpati kamesu
    sitibhuto nirupadhi.

    Always happy is the holyman
    who is wholly free within,
    who is not stained by sense desires --
    cooled is he and free from clinging.


    170. Yam ca kamasukham loke
    yam c'idam diviyam sukham
    tanhakkhayasukhassa te
    kalam n'agghanti solasim.

    The happiness of sensual lust
    and the happiness of heavenly bliss
    are not equal to a sixteenth part
    of the happiness of craving's end.


    171. Sabba asattiyo chetva
    vineyya hadaye daram
    upasanto sukham seti
    santim pappuyya cetasa.

    With all his attachments cut,
    with the heart's pinings subdued,
    calm and serene and happy is he,
    for he has attained peace of mind.


    172. Pamujjabahulo bhikkhu
    dhamme buddhappavedite
    adhigacche padam santam
    sankharupasamam sukham.

    A monk who has abundant joy
    in the Dhamma taught by the Buddha,
    will attain peace and happiness,
    with the calming of the constructs.


    173. Sukho viveko tutthassa
    sutadhammassa passato
    avyapajjham sukham loke
    panabhutesu samyamo.

    Solitude is happiness for one who is content,
    who has heard the Dhamma and clearly sees.
    Non-affliction is happiness in the world --
    harmlessness towards all living beings.


    174. Sukha viragata loke
    kamanam samatikkamo
    asmimanassa yo vinayo
    etam ve paramam sukham.

    Freedom from lust is happiness in the world,
    the going beyond all sensual desires.
    But the crushing out of the conceit "I am" --
    this is the highest happiness.


    175. Susukham vata nibbanam
    sammasambuddhadesitam
    asokam virajam khemam
    yattha dukkham nirujjhati.

    The fully perfected Buddha has taught
    Nibbana as the highest happiness --
    without grief, immaculate, secure,
    the state where all suffering ceases.



    19. Tunhivagga (Silence)

    176. Samanabhavam kubbetha
    game akutthavanditam
    manopadosam rakkheyya
    santo anunnato care.

    Develop the quiet even state of mind,
    when praised by some, condemned by others,
    free the mind from hate and pride
    and gently go your way in peace.


    177. Tan nadihi vijanatha
    sobbhesu padaresu ca
    sananta yanti kussubbha
    tunhi yati mahodadhi.

    Learn this from the waters:
    in mountain clefts and chasms,
    loud gush the streamlets,
    but great rivers flow silently.


    178. Yad unakam tam sanati
    yam puram santam eva tam
    addhakumbhupamo balo
    rahado puro'va pandito.

    Things that are empty make a noise,
    the full is always quiet.
    The fool is like a half-filled pot,
    the wise man like a deep still pool.


    179. Kayamunim vacamunim
    manomunim anasavam
    muni moneyyasampannam
    ahu nihatapapakam.

    Silent in body, silent in speech,
    silent in mind, without defilement,
    blessed with silence is the sage.
    He is truly washed of evil.


    180. Upasanto uparato
    mantabhani anuddhato
    dhunati papake dhamme
    dumapattam va maluto.

    Peaceful, quiet and restrained,
    speaking little, without conceit --
    such a one shakes off all evil
    as wind shakes leaves off a tree.


    181. Cakkhumassa yatha andho,
    sotava badhiro yatha
    paññav'assa yatha mugo
    balava dubbalor iva.

    Let one with sight be as though blind,
    and one who hears be as though deaf,
    let one with tongue be as though dumb,
    let one who is strong be as though weak.


    182. Avitakkam samapanno
    sammasambuddhasavako
    ariyena tunhibhavena
    upeto hoti tavade.

    Having attained the meditative state
    where all thoughts come to a stop,
    the disciple of the perfected Buddha
    thereby possesses the noble silence.


    183. Yatha jalo ca mugo ca
    attanam dassaye tatha
    nativelam pabhaseyya
    sanghamajjhamhi pandito.

    The wise one in the midst of an assembly
    should not speak excessively long.
    He should let himself appear
    like a simpleton or a dullard.


    184. Etam nagassa nagena
    isadantassa hatthino
    sameti cittam cittena
    yam eko ramati vane.

    In this both mighty beings agree,
    the enlightened sage and the elephant
    with tusks resembling the poles of plows:
    both love the solitude of the forest.


    185. Vihavihabhinadite
    sippikabhirutehi ca
    na me tam phandati cittam
    ekattaniratam hi me

    Amidst the chirping and twittering
    of the birds in the woods
    this mind of mine does not waver
    for I am devoted to solitude.



    20. Vipassanavagga (Insight)

    186. Pañcangikena turiyena
    na rati hoti tadisi
    yatha ekaggacittassa
    samma dhammam vipassato.

    Music from a five-piece ensemble
    cannot produce as much delight
    as that of a one-pointed mind
    with perfect insight into things.


    187. Ye ca santacitta nipaka
    satimanto ca jhayino
    samma dhammam vipassanti
    kamesu anapekkhino.

    Those peaceful in mind, discerning,
    mindful and meditative,
    having perfect insight into things,
    unconcerned with sense desires,


    188. Appamadarata santa
    pamade bhayadassino
    abhabba parihanaya
    nibbanass'eva santike.

    calm, delighting in diligence,
    seeing fear in negligence,
    can never fall away or fail,
    for they are close to Nibbana.


    189. Atitam nanusocanti
    nappajappanti nagatam
    paccuppannena yapenti
    tena vanno pasidati.

    They do not lament over the past,
    they yearn not for what is to come,
    they maintain themselves in the present,
    thus their complexion is serene.


    190. Atitam nanvagameyya
    nappatikankhe anagatam
    yad atitam pahinan tam
    appattañ ca anagatam.

    The past should not be followed after
    and the future not desired;
    what is past is dead and gone
    and the future is yet to come.


    191. Paccuppannañ ca yo dhammam
    tattha tattha vipassati
    asamhiram asamkuppam
    tam vidva m-anubruhaye.

    But whoever gains insight into things
    presently arisen in the here and now,
    knowing them, unmoved, unshaking,
    let him cultivate that insight.


    192. Cittam upatthapetvana
    ekaggam susamahitam
    paccavekkhatha sankhare
    parato no ca attato.

    Establish the mind, set it up
    in one-pointed stability;
    look upon all formations
    as alien and as not self.


    193. Phenapindupamam rupam
    vedana bubbulupama
    maricikupama sañña
    sankhara kadalupama
    mayupamañca viññanam.

    The body is like a ball of foam,
    feelings are like bubbles,
    perception is like a mirage,
    mental constituents like a pithy tree,
    and consciousness like a magic trick.


    194. Sabbalokam abhiññaya
    sabbaloke yathatatham
    sabbalokavisamyutto
    sabbaloke anupayo.

    Knowing the world in full directly,
    the whole world just as it is,
    from the whole world he is freed;
    he clings to naught in all the world.


    195. Sabbe sabbabhibhu dhiro
    sabbaganthappamocano
    phutthassa parama santi
    nibbanam akutobhayam.

    This sage all-victorious
    with all bonds loosened,
    has reached perfect peace:
    Nibbana that is void of fear.



    21. Buddhavagga (The Buddha)

    196. Yathapi udake jatam
    pundarikam pavaddhati
    nopalippati toyena
    sucigandham manoramam.

    As the lotus is born in the water
    and grows up beneath the water,
    yet remains undefiled by the water,
    fragrant and beautiful.


    197. Tath'eva ca loke jato
    buddho loke viharati
    nopalippati lokena
    toyena padumam yatha.

    Just so the Buddha is born in the world,
    grows up and dwells in the world,
    but like the lotus unstained by water
    he is not defiled by the world.


    198. Mahasamuddo pathavi
    pabbato anilo pi ca
    upamaya na yujjanti
    satthu varavimuttiya.

    The mighty ocean, the earth so broad,
    the mountain peak or the wind
    are not adequate similes to describe
    the awesome freedom of the Teacher.


    199. Appameyyam paminanto
    ko'dha vidva vikappaye
    appameyyam pamayinam
    nivutam maññe akissavam.

    Who can measure the immeasurable one?
    Who can fathom and determine him?
    To try to measure the immeasurable one
    betrays a mind devoid of wisdom.


    200. Araññe rukkhamule va
    suññagare va bhikkhavo
    anussaretha sambuddham
    bhayam tumhakam no siya.

    When in the forest, amongst the roots of trees,
    or when retired to an empty place,
    just call to mind the Buddha and
    no fear or trembling will arise.


    201. Hitanukampi sambuddho
    yad aññam anusasati
    anurodhavirodhehi
    vippamutto tathagato.

    When the Buddha teaches others
    he does so out of compassion,
    because the Tathagata is wholly freed
    from both favor and aversion.


    202. Yatha rattikkhaye patte
    suriyass'uggamanam dhuvam
    tath'eva buddhasetthanam
    vacanam dhuvasassatam.

    It is certain that the sun will rise
    when the darkness of night fades away;
    so too the words of the supreme Buddha
    are always certain and reliable.


    203. Satthugaru dhammagaru
    sanghe ca tibbagaravo
    appamadagaru bhikkhu
    patisantharagaravo
    abhabbo parihanaya
    nibbanass'eva santike.

    Deeply reverent towards the Teacher,
    reverent towards the Dhamma and Sangha,
    reverent towards vigilance,
    having kindness and good will:
    a monk like this cannot fail,
    for he is close to Nibbana.


    204. Tena h'atappam karohi
    idh'eva nipako sato
    ito sutvana nigghosam
    sikkhe nibbanam attano.

    So stir up your energy now,
    be skillful and be ever mindful.
    When you have heard my voice
    train yourself to attain Nibbana.


    205. Ye pavutte satthipade
    anusikkhanti jhayino
    kale te appamajjanta
    na macuvasaga siyum.

    Those who do their best and train
    in all the teachings that I have taught,
    alert and meditative, shall in time
    go beyond the power of death.



    22. Kittisadda (Praise)

    206. Esa sutva pasidami
    vaco te isisattama
    amogham kira me phuttham
    na mam vañcesi brahmano.

    Hearing your voice, O sage supreme,
    my heart is filled with joy.
    My questions truly were not in vain,
    the brahman did not deceive me.


    207. Anusasi mam ariyavata
    anukampi anuggahi
    amogho tuyham ovado
    antevasi'mhi sikkhito.

    You have taught me the noble practice,
    you were compassionate and helpful to me.
    Your exhortation was not in vain
    for I am now your trained disciple.


    208. Upemi buddham saranam
    dhammam sanghañ ca tadinam
    samadiyami silani
    tam me atthaya hehiti.

    I go for refuge to the Buddha,
    to the Dhamma and to the Sangha.
    I undertake the rules of conduct
    which will be for my true welfare.


    209. Asokam virajam khemam
    ariyatthangikam ujum
    tam maggam anugacchami
    yena tinna mahesino.

    I shall follow that eightfold path,
    griefless, immaculate, secure,
    the straight way by following which
    the great sages have crossed the flood.


    210. So aham vicarissami
    gama gamam pura puram
    namassamano sambuddham
    dhammassa ca sudhammatam.

    I will now go from town to town,
    I will go from city to city,
    praising the Buddha and the Dhamma
    so excellently taught by him.

    Abbreviations

    A. ..... Anguttara Nikaya
    D. ..... Digha Nikaya
    Dhp. ..... Dhammapada
    It. ..... Itivuttaka
    J. ..... Jataka
    JN. ..... Jataka Nidanakatha
    M. ..... Majjhima Nikaya
    Miln. ..... Milindapanha
    S. ..... Samyutta Nikaya
    Sn. ..... Sutta Nipata
    Thag. ..... Theragatha
    Thig. ..... Therigatha
    Ud. ..... Udana

    References

    References to Dhammapada, Jataka, Sutta Nipata, Theragatha and Therigatha are to verse number; references to other works are to the volume and page number of the Pali Text Society editions.

    (An asterisk indicates the Buddha's own words)


    1. Sn. 544
    2. S. I, 50
    3. Sn. 1063
    4. Sn. 1065
    5. Sn. 1038

    • 6. Sn. 1053
    • 7. Sn. 92
    • 8. It. 91
    • 9. S. I, 4
    • 10. Ud. 6


    • 11. S. I, 33
    • 12. S. I, 33
    • 13. S. I, 33

    14. Miln. 335
    15. Miln. 335

    • 16. A. II, 10

    17. Thig. 347
    18. Thig. 357

    • 19. S. I, 117
    • 20. A. IV, 96


    • 21. S. I, 85
    • 22. It. 8
    • 23. Ud. 69
    • 24. It. 93
    • 25. It. 93
    • 26. It. 66
    • 27. It. 66
    • 28. It. 66
    • 29. It. 66
    • 30. It. 66


    31. JN. 128
    32. JN. 129

    • 33. A. II, 32
    • 34. S. I, 32
    • 35. S. I, 32

    36. Thag. 608

    • 37. A. III, 205
    • 38. A. III, 206

    39. Thag. 612
    40. Thag. 614


    • 41. Sn. 136

    42. Thag. 1001

    • 43. It. 16
    • 44. S. I, 37
    • 45. Sn. 174
    • 46. Sn. 657

    47. Sn. 451
    48. Sn. 452

    • 49. S. I, 162
    • 50. S. I, 163


    • 51. Sn. 722
    • 52. A. IV, 196
    • 53. A. IV, 196
    • 54. A. II, 51

    55. Sn. 454
    56. Thag. 499

    • 57. J. 4
    • 58. J. 341
    • 59. D. III, 188
    • 60. D. III, 188


    • 61. A. IV, 271
    • 62. A. IV, 271
    • 63. A. IV, 6
    • 64. A. IV, 6
    • 65. Sn. 187
    • 66. Sn. 94
    • 67. S. I, 17
    • 68. It. 68
    • 69. It. 68
    • 70. It. 68


    • 71. S. I, 37
    • 72. D. III, 188
    • 73. D. III, 188
    • 74. It. 10

    75. Thag. 1035
    76. Thag. 141
    77. Thag. 1027

    • 78. A. II, 8
    • 79. A. II, 8
    • 80. A. II, 8


    • 81. A. II, 8

    82. Thag. 1026
    83. A. II, 21

    • 84. It. 60
    • 85. It. 60
    • 86. A. II, 4
    • 87. A. II, 8

    88. Thag. 278
    89. Thag. 391
    90. S. I, 129


    91. S. I, 129
    92. Thag. 668

    • 93. It. 111
    • 94. It. 91
    • 95. It. 12
    • 96. S. I, 39
    • 97. Dhp. 1
    • 98. Dhp. 36
    • 99. Dhp. 35
    • 100. Dhp. 33


    • 101. Dhp. 43
    • 102. A. II, 29
    • 103. Sn. 171

    104. Thag. 194

    • 105. It. 117
    • 106. D. III, 185
    • 107. D. III, 185
    • 108. Sn. 717
    • 109. Sn. 707
    • 110. Sn. 709


    • 111. A. V, 16
    • 112. S. I, 14

    113. Thag. 585
    114. Miln. 337
    115. Thag. 548

    • 116. Sn. 334
    • 117. Sn. 96
    • 118. A. II, 17
    • 119. Sn. 331

    120. Thag. 451


    121. Thag. 293
    122. Thig. 161

    • 123. S. I, 7
    • 124. Sn. 184

    125. Thag. 637

    • 126. S. I, 48

    127. Thag. 446

    • 128. S. I, 162
    • 129. S. I, 162
    • 130. It. 120


    • 131. It. 120
    • 132. It. 121

    133. Thag. 816
    134. Miln. 342
    135. Thag. 100

    • 136. Dhp. 130
    • 137. Dhp. 165
    • 138. Dhp. 166
    • 139. Dhp. 158
    • 140. Dhp. 159


    • 141. Sn. 132
    • 142. Dhp. 50
    • 143. Dhp. 253
    • 144. Dhp. 252
    • 145. Dhp. 379
    • 146. It. 84
    • 147. It. 84
    • 148. It. 22
    • 149. S. I, 208
    • 150. S. I, 208


    151. J. 37
    152. J. 38
    153. Thag. 979
    154. Thag. 33
    155. S. IV, 118
    156. JN. 168
    157. JN. 169

    • 158. Sn. 705
    • 159. A. II, 72
    • 160. A. II, 72


    • 161. A. II, 72

    162. Thag. 648
    163. Thag. 649
    164. Miln. 394

    • 165. It. 21

    166. Thag. 225

    • 167. S. I, 161
    • 168. S. IV, 127
    • 169. S. I, 212
    • 170. Ud. 11


    • 171. S. I, 212

    172. Thag. 11

    • 173. Ud. 10
    • 174. Ud. 10

    175. Thag. 227

    • 176. Sn. 702
    • 177. Sn. 720
    • 178. Sn. 721
    • 179. It. 56

    180. Thag. 2


    181. Thag. 501
    182. Thag. 650
    183. Thag. 582

    • 184. Ud. 42

    185. Thag. 49
    186. Thag. 398

    • 187. It. 40
    • 188. It. 40
    • 189. S. I, 5
    • 190. M. III, 131


    • 191. M. III, 131

    192. Thig. 177

    • 193. S. III, 142
    • 194. It. 122
    • 195. It. 122

    196. Thag. 700
    197. Thag. 701
    198. Thag. 1013
    199. S. I, 149

    • 200. S. I, 220


    • 201. S. I, 111

    202. JN. 122

    • 203. A. III, 331
    • 204. Sn. 1062
    • 205. S. I, 52

    206. Thag. 1276
    207. Thag. 334
    208. Thig. 250
    209. Thig. 361
    210. Sn. 192


    Notes

    1. Sakka (Sakya): the Buddha's clan name.

    2. Brahma: he addresses the Buddha by the name of a deity.

    3. The Buddha's contemporaries believed that people could be purified by bathing in sacred rivers.

    4. Mara: the Tempter, the Evil One.

    5. Brahma: A high divinity in the ancient Indian pantheon.


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